Hidden Athens Small Group Walking Tour and Picnic: Plaka and the Hills of Athens
3 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Overview
Escape the well-trodden tourist track and discover a quieter side of Athens on this leisurely walking tour. With a local guide, explore the tucked-away areas around the slopes of the Acropolis and uncover their ancient and recent past. Stroll around the cobbled Plaka, Athens’ Old Town; and delve into Anafiotika, where the sugar-cube houses mirror a whitewashed Cyclades village. Discover the ancient sites of Mars Hill and Philopappou Hill, and savor a delicious Greek picnic and glass of wine as you gaze over Athens sprawled below.
- Walking tour around Plaka and the hills of Athens: Philopappou and Mars Hill
- Discover Anafiotika with its scenic whitewashed houses, built in a similar style to those on the Greek islands
- Admire panoramic views from the top of Philopappou Hill and relax with a picnic and glass of white wine
- Walk along the UNESCO-listed walkways of Philopappou and see Philopappos Monument
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Choose a morning or afternoon departure, meet your guide in central Athens to begin your walking tour.
Keeping a relaxed pace throughout, head first into the Plaka, Athens’ Old Town. Spread around the slopes of the Acropolis, this charming district is known for the neoclassical townhouses, Byzantine churches, bustling tavernas, and independent shops crowded along its cobblestoned lanes.
Make your way through the streets and enter Anafiotika: a photogenic district of whitewashed houses and stepped lanes on the north side of the Acropolis. Trace the tiny passageways past blue-painted shutters and bright bougainvillea, and learn how the sugar-cube houses here were constructed in the 19th century by masons from the island of Anafi. Having been brought to Athens to build a royal palace, the stoneworkers designed their houses in the Cycladic style of their beloved home.
Stroll on to Mars Hill, also called the Rock of Ares (Aereopagus). Gaze up at the Acropolis from this marble rock as you discover how it was the site of both ancient Athens’ high court, and a famous sermon by St. Paul in AD 52. Next, continue to Philopappou Hill and pause at the rock chambers where the philosopher Socrates is believed to have been imprisoned in 399 BC.
Drink in the stunning views over Athens from the hilltop, and then revel in the setting as you enjoy a picnic of tasty Greek specialties with a glass of white wine. After relaxing here, follow the pretty UNESCO-listed pathways back down into town. Along the way, pass the Philopappos Monument, the tomb of the admired Roman senator Philopappos, and then conclude your tour at the start point.
Keeping a relaxed pace throughout, head first into the Plaka, Athens’ Old Town. Spread around the slopes of the Acropolis, this charming district is known for the neoclassical townhouses, Byzantine churches, bustling tavernas, and independent shops crowded along its cobblestoned lanes.
Make your way through the streets and enter Anafiotika: a photogenic district of whitewashed houses and stepped lanes on the north side of the Acropolis. Trace the tiny passageways past blue-painted shutters and bright bougainvillea, and learn how the sugar-cube houses here were constructed in the 19th century by masons from the island of Anafi. Having been brought to Athens to build a royal palace, the stoneworkers designed their houses in the Cycladic style of their beloved home.
Stroll on to Mars Hill, also called the Rock of Ares (Aereopagus). Gaze up at the Acropolis from this marble rock as you discover how it was the site of both ancient Athens’ high court, and a famous sermon by St. Paul in AD 52. Next, continue to Philopappou Hill and pause at the rock chambers where the philosopher Socrates is believed to have been imprisoned in 399 BC.
Drink in the stunning views over Athens from the hilltop, and then revel in the setting as you enjoy a picnic of tasty Greek specialties with a glass of white wine. After relaxing here, follow the pretty UNESCO-listed pathways back down into town. Along the way, pass the Philopappos Monument, the tomb of the admired Roman senator Philopappos, and then conclude your tour at the start point.
Itinerary
The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis is from the Greek words ἄκρον and πόλις
Admission Ticket Free
The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. The word acropolis is from the Greek words ἄκρον and πόλις
Admission Ticket Free
In the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples, hillside Plaka has a village feel, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes and local ceramics. Sidewalk cafes and family-run tavernas stay open until late, and Cine Paris shows classic movies al fresco. Nearby, the whitewashed homes of the Anafiotika neighborhood give the small enclave a Greek-island vibe
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
In the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples, hillside Plaka has a village feel, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes and local ceramics. Sidewalk cafes and family-run tavernas stay open until late, and Cine Paris shows classic movies al fresco. Nearby, the whitewashed homes of the Anafiotika neighborhood give the small enclave a Greek-island vibe
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The Philopappu Monument is an ancient Greek mausoleum and monument dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos or Philopappus, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene. It is located on Mouseion Hill in Athens, Greece, southwest of the Acropolis.
Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The Philopappu Monument is an ancient Greek mausoleum and monument dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos or Philopappus, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene. It is located on Mouseion Hill in Athens, Greece, southwest of the Acropolis.
Duration: 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Traveler Photos
Traveler Tips
- "Be aware there is a climb up a steep hill, and a somewhat slippery descent, which may be an issue for some people." See review
- "Dont miss this unique tour, as you will walk through many beautiful and unique hidden places of Athens like Plaka and the Hills of Athens." See review
- "Please look up beforehand if there will be any such closures during your trip, and plan accordingly!" See review
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Product code: 5776HIDDENATHENS
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